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Saniflo 21 Residential Water Pump, Grey,1/3 HP Reviews

4.6 Rating 125 Reviews
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The Saniflo MPN 21 residential water pump transforms basement remodeling projects by eliminating traditional drainage limitations through its specialized 1/3 HP motor configuration. This grey-colored thermoplastic housing unit measures exactly 8.75 inches in height, 9 inches in width, and 10.25 inches in depth, positioning itself as the compact solution for residential drainage challenges where gravity flow proves impossible.  Weighing 13 pounds, this Saniflo pump delivers 18 gallons per minute discharge capacity at its maximum 14-foot vertical lift specification, making it the definitive choice for basement apartments, laundry installations, and remote kitchen additions where conventional drain systems cannot reach the main sewer line. Unlike standard sump pump configurations designed for groundwater removal, the MPN 21 features three strategically positioned 1.5-inch inlets—two low-profile side inlets with integrated check valve protection and one top-mounted inlet—enabling simultaneous wastewater collection from multiple fixtures without requiring complex manifold assemblies.  The unit's 120-volt, 60-hertz electrical specification draws a maximum 4.5 amperes during operation, qualifying it for standard residential circuit integration while maintaining CSA certification under both IPC and NSPC plumbing code standards. Precision-Engineered Oil-Filled Motor Technology Delivering Maintenance-Free Performance The permanently sealed oil-bath motor assembly within the Saniflo 021 eliminates traditional maintenance intervals found in conventional drain pump applications. This 0.3 horsepower induction motor operates at precisely 3,600 revolutions per minute, driving a direct-coupled impeller through a single spindle shaft that minimizes mechanical complexity and potential failure points.  The oil-filled enclosure surrounding the motor provides continuous lubrication, thermal protection through efficient heat dissipation, and acoustic dampening that reduces operational noise to just 44 decibels measured at three feet—quieter than most residential dishwasher cycles and significantly below the threshold requiring hearing protection in occupied spaces. The thermoplastic housing material surrounding the motor assembly resists corrosion from prolonged wastewater exposure while maintaining structural integrity at operating temperatures up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit.  This temperature threshold accommodates hot water discharge from washing machines, dishwashers, and utility sinks without requiring cooling periods or thermal protection devices. The polyethylene construction also provides chemical resistance against common household cleaning agents, laundry detergents, and kitchen effluent containing mild acids or alkaline compounds. Engineering specifications reveal the motor's 30-microfarad capacitor rating ensures consistent starting torque under varied load conditions, preventing the motor stall issues that plague less sophisticated residential pump designs.  The pressure switch activation mechanism responds to water level changes within the 2.75-gallon capacity chamber, triggering motor engagement only when sufficient volume accumulates for efficient discharge cycles lasting between two and ten seconds depending on horizontal pipe run configurations and vertical lift requirements. Three-Inlet Configuration Maximizing Installation Versatility Across Residential Applications The Saniflo MPN 21's triple inlet design accommodates diverse fixture combinations without requiring additional collection pits or intermediate pumping stations. Both side-mounted 1.5-inch inlets incorporate factory-installed check valves that prevent backflow during system operation, eliminating the need for separate valve installation and reducing potential leak points in the drainage assembly.  These low-profile inlets position just above the unit's base, facilitating gravity drainage from floor-level shower bases constructed on minimum 6-inch elevated platforms using dimensional lumber framing techniques. The quarter-inch per foot slope requirement toward the pump ensures consistent flow without standing water accumulation in horizontal drainage runs. The top-mounted inlet provides alternative connection routing for fixtures positioned above the pump housing,

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“Purchased to replace another brand that only lasted 4 months. Easy installation. Works very well.”
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Posted 2 years ago
“I like that it was easy to install and that I did not have to cut into my walls to install it.”
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Posted 2 years ago
“It works very well for a sink or a garden hose on full but unable to keep up with the clothes washing machine drain.”
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Posted 2 years ago
“Thought it was defective. Replaced it. Still super noisy. Works great though.”
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Posted 3 years ago
“I'm just going to install this pump. Then I realized the 90 degree fitting with a check valve is missing. I need to install this right away. My question is can I just go straight up not using a 90 degree but straight up with a 1 1/4 pipe with a check valve on it”
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Posted 3 years ago
“Nice compact unit. I wish its capacity were a bit larger, so it didn't have to cycle so often when doing laundry, but the bigger ones I found wouldn't have fit under the legs of the laundry sink. I needed one more connection to a 1.5 inch line than what was provided. I registered the product (I hope), but the serial number location given as an example on the SFA website did not match the one on my unit. Time will tell how long it will last.”
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Posted 3 years ago
“Works well for my shower stall !”
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Posted 3 years ago
“The pump itself seems to be reasonably well built and works just fine for a basement utility sink. The only downside is that none of the advertised parts were included (and the box it came in was not even large enough to include the parts). Minus one star for the missing parts.On a positive note, the second top inlet can serve double duty to connect a combination air vent and overflow drain. You just need to cut a hole for whatever fitting you use to connect the vent/overflow line to the side wall of the sink.”
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Posted 3 years ago